Well I just went to my first country music concert. As a die-hard rocker I felt I was betraying my rock music roots. Wife’s can get husbands to do some things that we don’t want to do.  I had all kinds of stereotype things running through my head, big hair, cowboy hats and cowboy boots. What the hell am I going to wear to this thing? My wife called me a girl. Yeah right, I just didn’t want to get my ass kicked.

Since this was a birthday present for my wife, I paid the big bucks for floor tickets. As we settled into our section 3 seats, my wife was very impressed only 20 rows from the stage. I had to admit the atmosphere leading up to the performers entrance was electric. Women of all ages were visibly excited; you would think The Beatles were going to perform. I also noticed something different, groups of people dressed alike, homemade t-shirts, hats and homemade signs everywhere, and I noticed families. Not many families at a Foo Fighters, Weezer or even a Sister Hazel concert.

As the lights go down we are treated to a little backstage video impromptu performance the performer says he’s glad to be back in Greenville, yeah-hoo. Then the show starts. I have to admit, the music is a lot more guitar than I thought, great stage design, and lighting. I’m digging it. But that’s when things started changing from my normal concerts I’ve attend. Between almost every song came a dialogue with the audience.

The performer stopped repeatedly to read signs and banners, and even bringing up fans holding the signs up to the stage. The highlight of the show came when, the performer said he needed a very special lady to help with this song, he choose a redhead lady that was holding a sign that read, “CPAs need hugs too.”

The performer and the video crew created a makeshift bedroom scene on the floor of the arena, as the performer torn through one of his most rocking songs, the redhead lady appear right next to him as he sang “You look good in my shirt” to her and the crowd.

You might have guessed by now I’m talking about Keith Urban, an Aussie that plays country, and is developing quite a loyal fan base. And I saw why. He personally engaged his fans in his music and the show. He was happy to be there, and I don’t think I can remember being told thank you for coming so many times at a concert. Some of the brooding, aloof rock bands that I have paid a lot of money to see could take lesson here.

It was a helluva concert, my wife loved it, and I loved it. And I downloaded his new album “Be There” a couple of days later. I don’t think this story is about country verses rock more than it is about an artist that seems to really understand his role as a performer. People don’t have to pluck down fifty to two hundred dollars to see a concert. But Keith Urban made me happy that I did.

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